Satellite clinics reach out to entire university

by Pamela Young, Published October 14, 2013

YPSILANTI – It takes only ten minutes to get a flu shot, but that ten minutes might save a person from very real complications from the seasonal flu, a virus spread by coughing, sneezing and close contact.

The fall season is a prime time for a variety of health concerns such as the flu and pertussis (whooping cough). Proper hand washing and up-to-date immunizations reduce the risk of illness and infection.

Eastern Michigan University’s Snow Health Center is meeting the flu challenge by offering vaccinations both at its clinic and at various campus sites. Eastern Michigan’s president, Susan Martin, and Kim Schatzel, provost and executive vice president of academic and student affairs, started off the campaign by getting their flu shots Sept. 18 at Snow.

(from left) EMU President Susan Martin and Kim Schatzel, provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs, kick off the university's flu shot campaign as nurse Carol Smith gives the first vaccination.

“The flu is unpredictable,” said Ellen Gold, assistant vice president for student well being. “It usually appears in early October, so everyone over six months should be vaccinated. It’s also essential for people with chronic illnesses to be vaccinated.

“People always ask why should they get a yearly flu shot. Flu viruses are always changing and each year’s vaccine is made to protect from viruses that are most likely to cause disease that year”

The Snow pharmacy is a Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS) in-network provider for flu vaccinations. This means that Eastern Michigan employees with BCBS coverage can get these vaccinations for free by presenting their insurance card. For non-BCBS policyholders, the cost is $30.

Students on the EMU student health insurance plan and those with BCBS coverage can also get the vaccine for free by presenting their insurance card.

The cost is $30 for those not covered by the plans above. For information or questions, call University Health Services at 487-1122.

Campus Satellite Clinics

October 15 4 - 6:30 p.m., Children’s Institute, Fletcher Building

October 23 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 101B, College of Business

October 31 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Ballroom A, Student Center

Snow Health Center Clinics: Room 103

October 14 8:30 – 11 a.m.

October 28 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Payment Options

Cash, check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover card

Students can bill the charge to their student tuition account (E-bill)

Get the facts:

It takes two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the influenza virus infection. It’s better to get vaccinated early in the fall before the flu season really gets underway.

The worse side effect you are likely to get from the flu shot is a sore arm.

Every year in America, seasonal influenza is responsible for more than 200,000 hospitalizations and is associated with approximately 36,000 deaths.